Maplecroft

[Aamartin]

I have some pics of the interior of Maplecroft. I don't think many have seen them. They are NOT from Lizzie's time there, but fascinating nonetheless.

[Curryong]

Wonderful photographs, Anthony. Whoever had Maplecroft then, (when the photos were taken) lavished a lot of TLC on those interiors. I especially love the staircase and the settle next to it. Is the mantelpiece redwood? If you had a place like that how could you bear to leave!

[MysteryReader]

I love them! I love the little seating area at the bottom of the stairs!!

[Franz]

thank you for sharing them!

[twinsrwe]

Wow, Anthony, those are wonderful photos. I like the one of the staircase. Thanks for posting them for us.

[Franz]

I have some pics of the interior of Maplecroft. I don't think many have seen them. They are NOT from Lizzie's time there, but fascinating nonetheless.

But I imagine the doors could be the ones Lizzie touched; or maybe some wall paper original? I am curious.

[Aamartin]

I bet the doors are original-- the stair rail, etc-- all touched by Lizzie. The wallpaper-- unless very well cared for-- and no one ever smoked in the home, etc-- it might be, but I tend towards doubting it

[Curryong]

It's all very much in the spirit of the period though, isn't it? Furniture, fittings, wallpaper, lovely!

[MysteryReader]

Hey Anthony,

I've got an idea for Maplecroft if you buy it. Saw the idea on another thread.

[Aamartin]

he is absolutely firm on the price.....

[Franz]

Does the price corrispondt to the historical value of the house? Is it exagerately higher than that of a similar and normal house in FV?

[Aamartin]

it is overpriced for both the value of the home itself and it's condition. Had the owner kept it restored and in good repair, perhaps it would be worth more due to it's historic nature-- but, sadly-- the place is a wreck on the outside. Quick and not attractive fixes for general decay of such an older home, etc. The house I live in was built in 1893 and over the years we have needed to replace a wooden piece of siding here and there, as well as repair the foundation, etc. When the radiant heat was replaced for forced air gas furnace and central air, we had to be careful with the removal of the old radiators as the floors under them were not sun faded, nor had any normal wear and tear from walking over them, etc. Plus, there were holes where the pipes fed the radiators. It was a huge job. Then, my parents sold the house and we moved. When we bought the house back 3 years ago-- it had been totally 'updated'. Gone was the original woodwork, the floors were covered in carpet -- and they used GLUE! The stair case was enclosed.... This was in the late 70's. I got an estimate on restoring it and it would be nearly $50,000. Big bucks! Thus far, I have not hired any contractors!

[MysteryReader]

it is overpriced for both the value of the home itself and it's condition. Had the owner kept it restored and in good repair, perhaps it would be worth more due to it's historic nature-- but, sadly-- the place is a wreck on the outside. Quick and not attractive fixes for general decay of such an older home, etc. The house I live in was built in 1893 and over the years we have needed to replace a wooden piece of siding here and there, as well as repair the foundation, etc. When the radiant heat was replaced for forced air gas furnace and central air, we had to be careful with the removal of the old radiators as the floors under them were not sun faded, nor had any normal wear and tear from walking over them, etc. Plus, there were holes where the pipes fed the radiators. It was a huge job. Then, my parents sold the house and we moved. When we bought the house back 3 years ago-- it had been totally 'updated'. Gone was the original woodwork, the floors were covered in carpet -- and they used GLUE! The stair case was enclosed.... This was in the late 70's. I got an estimate on restoring it and it would be nearly $50,000. Big bucks! Thus far, I have not hired any contractors!

Did you ask him if the price was firm or did you make an offer? Did you explain to him what you just explained to us? Also Angie's List is great for repairs. Even if you could get a loan for that amount of money plus cost of repairs, there is no way of knowing you'll make that back.

[Curryong]

Yes, I agree. I think, from everything that has been said, Maplecroft would need an owner with a sensitivity about the period furnishings, fittings etc. but also VERY deep pockets.

[Aamartin]

I spoke with a real estate agent and bluntly asked her if it would be worth my coming out there to look at the property knowing I had no intention of offering anywhere near $600K. She called me back in less than an hour with a resounding no.

I went through my local agent-- and friend. And she called the agent out there for me.

[MysteryReader]

What's sad is it sounds like the gentleman is willing to let the house fall down. If it's worth only 300+K, then he should be willing to sell. I wonder if there is family that you can talk to. I'm sorry to say it but it doesn't sound as if he's all there.

[Curryong]

Is he elderly, or something? It would be a large house for an elderly person to maintain.